Programs and services offered by Partners value and respect the spirituality and faith of all congregations that open their doors to the community. Designed to stimulate success, Partners changes the way congregations view their role so that their sacred place remains a rich and vital part of the social fabric of a community. Partners helps congregations leverage existing and new resources, solidify their continued relevance, and ensure their own sustainability.
PARTNERS’ PROGRAMS AND SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Training
New Dollars/New Partners for Your Sacred Place is an intensive program that gives congregations with older buildings the skills and resources to broaden their base of support. - Regional Offices
Partners offers training, technical assistance and capital improvement grants through its Pennsylvania, Chicago, and Texas Offices. - Workshops and Conferences
Partners’ staff speaks on a variety of topics at national and regional conferences throughout the country. - Publications
Some of Partners’ books include:- Your Sacred Place Is a Community Asset: A Tool Kit to Attract New Resources and Partners
- The Complete Guide to Capital Campaigns for Historic Churches and Synagogues
- Information Center
This web-based resource provides information related to the care and use of older sacred places. - Advocacy Initiatives
Partners works with civic leaders, funders and policymakers, urging them to adopt policies and practices that provide new resources to older religious properties. - Research
Partners’ foray into research began in the late 1990s with discussion among staff, board members, and supporters about how to better understand the role that religious congregations played in providing social services to their communities, which culminated in the groundbreaking publication Sacred Places at Risk. Other topics include identifying exemplary social service programs housed in historic sacred places, gathering and analyzing data on congregation-hosted arts programs, and documenting how congregations that host social service programs positively contribute to the economic health and vitality of their communities. - Special Initiatives
In Johnstown, PA, Partners is working with local community leaders and residents to find new uses for three significant historic churches that were closed in 2005.
